How to Get Started

Pick-up a Redbud Weekend Brochure that includes a map and listing of all activities with directions to each location. Brochures are available from:
Nature Niche - 50 N. Washington St. - Also get a free Redbud seedling (while they last)
Berkeley Springs Visitors Center - 127 Fairfax St.
Panorama at the Peak Restaurant - Rt. 9 West from town, 3.5 miles

Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Begin the celebration of Spring by getting up close and personal with some wildlife then hike the Cacapon Mountain. Afterwards, drive to the Panorama Overlook to photograph one of the East's top 10 scenic views. Experienced hikers may travel by foot (with good shoes and drinking water) downhill on raw land (no trails) to the Potomac River's edge.

Also plan to see the live theater presentation at the Ice House of Oscar Wilde's: "The Importance of Being Earnest". There are evening show times and a matinee on Sunday.

Friday and Saturday Night

When darkness falls, drive out to the Observatory to observe galaxies, stars and planets with a fantastic telescope or bring one of your own. Treat you and your family to this spectacular viewing of the West Virginia nighttime sky.

Saturday

What a special day! Visit the Eidolon Nature Preserve with 365 acres of nature's best in West Virginia and 4 miles of hiking trails. Docents will be on hand to talk about Eidolon's history and the family that donated this land for your enjoyment. Hiking can be self-guided or with a tour guide both morning and afternoon. Along the trails are many architectural remains of previous centuries.

The Uniquely West Virginia showcase of WV food and drink will be held at the Old Factory Antique Mall. What a great stopover for tasting and buying! Nearby is the Ice House where two art exhibits are rembrances of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. There's also the Co-Op for viewing and purchasing the creations of local artists.

Sunday

This is the day to enjoy more nature, assist our feathered friends, and learn ways to protect the environment and ourselves. Begin with a guided nature walk through many habitats at Sleepy Creek Retreat. Afterwards, there is an optional nature meditation.

Next are visits to homes and farms. At the first stop, Joe Gentile will show you bird feeder systems that are truly squirrel proof. If desired, see an alternate way to provide food for those fluffy tailed critters. Even in a small backyard, there can be a watering hole for birds and small wildlife - learn how to make it happen at your place. Got toads? They need homes too, and you will learn how to make a toad abode!

The next stop, Windance Farm, is where you will learn about methods for naturally grown foods, composting, rain water for irrigation, plus making homemade products such as soaps and calendula ointment. Your knowledgeable hosts will have many answers to your questions about ways to plant and grow while protecting the earth and it's people.

At Cabin by O'Brien's you can pick your own edible wild salad! If you are interested in ponds, learn how to design and maintain an ecologically balanced one. And for those interested in a double dare, swim with pond life and see how perfectly that balance serves nature and you.